overdrive
noun
over·drive
ˈō-vər-ˌdrīv 
1
: an automotive transmission gear that transmits to the drive shaft a speed greater than engine speed
2
: a state of heightened activity
going into rhetorical overdrive
Examples of overdrive in a Sentence
He put the car into overdrive.
His acting career is in overdrive.
The reporters went into overdrive to finish their stories on time.
Recent Examples on the Web
The higher temperatures promote algae growth by allowing their metabolisms to shift into overdrive.
—
Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026
So when a large wedding tent for Hall’s clients was erected, the excitement went into overdrive.
—Choire Sicha, CNN Money, 19 June 2026
Imagination in full overdrive is needed for that.
—Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 14 June 2026
The Supreme Court’s gutting of the Voting Rights Act in April set that fight into overdrive.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for overdrive
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Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026
So when a large wedding tent for Hall’s clients was erected, the excitement went into overdrive.
—Choire Sicha, CNN Money, 19 June 2026
Imagination in full overdrive is needed for that.
—Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 14 June 2026
The Supreme Court’s gutting of the Voting Rights Act in April set that fight into overdrive.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for overdrive
Cite this Entry
“Overdrive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overdrive. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
overdrive
noun
over·drive
ˈō-vər-ˌdrīv
: a transmission gear in an automobile that allows the drive shaft to operate at a speed greater than that of the engine crankshaft
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